C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Youth Outreach Blog

Post Card From Home

2008-03-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

ELITE Youth Program Lock-In

2008-03-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

Candidates for the ELITE Youth Program participated in a lock-in at the Peoria RiverPlex on Saturday kicking off the 2008 program.

ELITE Youth Program Press Conference

2008-02-19T14:58:00.001-08:00

A press conference kicking off the 2008 ELITE Youth Program was held on Tuesday, February 19, at the Peoria Park District Administration Building. The event was attended by local television, radio, and newspapers. Thanks to all who attended.

Postcard from Home: Carl Cannon on WEEK

2008-01-18T03:51:00.000-08:00

Carl Cannon and CHOICES appeared on WEEK on Jan. 11 2008. Click on the link below to watch it!

Postcard from Home: Carl Cannon

The ELITE Youth Program for 2008 Welcomes Volunteers

2008-01-17T18:08:00.000-08:00

ELITE Founder, Carl Cannon, welcomes volunteers to the Peoria RiverPlex.

On Tuesday, January 15, the ELITE Youth Program welcomed over 50 motivated volunteers from Peoria, Bloomington, Dunlap, Bartonville, East Peoria, and other communities. Having nearly doubled in size from last year, the 2008 EYP will bring its unique program to seven central Illinois high schools and will serve over 210 students. Thanks to everyone who volunteered. You are the lifeblood of the program. Anyone wishing to volunteer or to learn more about how to support CHOICES or the ELITE YOUTH Program, please visit the website at www.CHOICESyop.org or www.Eliteyp.org.

Immaculee Ilibagiza at RiverPlex

2007-10-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Immaculee Ilibagiza, a New York Times bestselling author of "Left to Tell" and Rwanda genocide survivor shared her message of hope to Peoria area students at the RiverPlex on Friday morning. She was brought to Peoria by the Scherer family.

Imaculee Ilibagiza

Leslie Lewis Sword (left) and Ilibagiza share a laugh during a press conference on Friday. Ms. Sword is the author and feature performer of "Miracle in Rwanda", a play based on Ilibagiza's life in Rwanda during the genocide. The play will be held at The Hartmann Center for Performing Arts at Bradley University on Saturday, October 20th at 8 pm, and on Sunday, October 21st, at 2:30 pm.

CHOICES at BRADLEY

2007-09-02T06:59:00.001-07:00

Now that school is back in session the Bradley University/CHOICES partnership is again in full swing. On Saturday, September 1, CHOICES students and their B.U. mentors got together at the University. Everyone is looking forward to a great year. Check back for some exciting news.

CHOICES Awards Ceremony 2007

2007-08-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

The 11th Annual CHOICES Youth Outreach Community Law Enforcement Incentive Awards were held at the Peoria RiverPlex on August 9. The program recognized students from across the Midwest who have committed to making good choices in their lives. Go to ChingPhoto.com and click on "Find Your Photos" to check out all the shots.

CHOICES kids group photo.

Recipients conclude a student/parent march from InPlay to the RiverPlex.

The Integrity Choir warms up the crowd.

Mayor Jim Ardis opens the ceremony. Jerry Stoneburner (left) and Carl Cannon (center) look on.

Congressman Ray LaHood (R-IL) delivers the keynote address.

Shaleese Pie performs a stirring tribute to former Peoria Mayor Jim Maloof.

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky gives the benediction.

Christine Zak-Edmonds was right on queue as the Mistress of Ceremony.

Carl Cannon gives last minute instructions to students prior to the CHOICES sponsored back to school shopping spree at JC Penney.

The program concluded at 5 a.m. on Friday with an all-night lock-in at the RiverPlex where kids ate, swam, played in the gym, and learned what making good choices was all about.

Real Heroes at Northwoods Church

2007-07-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

Carl Cannon (left) was the featured speaker at the "Secret Hero" program held at Northwoods Community Church on Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22. The program was the fifth of a six-part series entitled, "Real Heroes." Seated next to Cannon is Pastor Tim Reist of Northwoods Community Church.

Coach Jack Lengyel - "We Are Marshall"

2007-07-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

Jack Lengyel, former Head Football Coach at Marshall University, speaks to CHOICES kids at the Peoria RiverPlex on Tuesday. Lengyel took over the program in 1971 following the devastating plane crash in 1970 which killed 75 players, coaches, and boosters. Lengyel and his team are the subject of the hit movie, "We Are Marshall." Lengyel is portrayed by Matthew McConaughey.

NBC Channel 25 interviews a CHOICES kid after the program.

CHOICES founder, Carl Cannon (left), Coach Lengyel, and Lance Zedric share a laugh.

American Red Cross Heartland Heroes

2007-07-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

Carl Cannon recieves the prestigious Heartland Heroes Citizenship Award from the national American Red Cross Chairman Bonnie McElveen-Hunter on June 5, 2007 at the Pere Marquette in Peoria. Congratulations Carl on a much-deserved award.

Photo courtesy of Nelliephotography.

Cannon Family/Graduation

2007-05-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

The Cannon family "Plays in Peoria" in celebration of Summer Cannon's graduation from Bradley University on Saturday, May 19. Way to go, Summer!

Summer Cannon smiles as she clutches her hard-earned "sheepskin".

The Cannon Family.

ELITE Youth Graduation

2007-05-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at the Peoria RiverPlex the ELITE Youth Program graduated its inaugural class of 58 students. The graduation ceremony recognized those students who completed a demanding 10-week course leading to competitive part-time employment. Speakers included Mayor Jim Ardis, District 150 Superintendent Ken Hinton, and Mrs. Bonnie Noble of the Peoria Park District. Thanks to everyone who helped make the program a resounding success! Way to go graduates!

Program founder, Carl Cannon, opens the ceremony.

An ELITE graduate holds his Certificate.

Mr. Hinton, addresses the graduates.

Smiles all around.

Before the ceremony graduates interview at the Workforce Network Job Fair.

An ELITE graduate gets a pointer from a potential employer.

PHS ELITE at JC Penney

2007-05-11T04:52:00.000-07:00

EYP Candidates try on business attire in preparation for the EYP Job Fair and Graduation to be held on Wednesday, May 16 at the RiverPlex. An enormous thanks to JC Penney for outfitting each student. Way to Go JC Penney!!

Program founder, Carl Cannon, gets involved.

Students pose for a shot after the shopping trip.

Students wave goodbye. See you at graduation!

Carlyts Bovan Vigil

2007-05-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

The following photos were taken at a vigil for murder victim Carlyts Bovan held on Thursday, May 3, at the Mt. Zion Church. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends for their loss. We encourage everyone to post a comment on the blog to show their support to the family.

The Bovan family mourns its loss.

Friends find solace in each other.

Carl Cannon comforts a family member.

A family prays together.

Tomorrow's legacy

Cannon Recognized by U.S. Army

2007-05-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

Carl Cannon (far left) poses with ELITE candidates and the staff of the "Gateway Hunters". Cannon was recognized for his work with the CHOICES/ELITE Programs by LTC Barber and his staff from the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion (St. Louis). Cannon, a retired Army NCO, was presented with the Battalion Coin of Excellence. Way to go, Carl! Whoa!

Manual & AHS Day of Hope

2007-05-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

ELITE candidates work with primary school students as part of the Manual Day of Hope held at the RiverPlex. Community participation and volunteerism is a key component of the ELITE Youth Program experience.

Candidates enjoy the pool at the RiverPlex.

ELITE Interviews at PHS

2007-05-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

ELITE Youth staff conduct a mock interview of a candidate in preparation for the upcoming EYP graduation and Job Fair to be held on May 16 at the RiverPlex. The Job Fair is the capstone of the program and places trained, certified, employable youth with quality part-time jobs.

A candidate waits his turn. Each of the mock interviews are recorded and reviewed by the candidate, their staff, and by peers as a training aide to help improve performance and sharpen interviewing skills.

Vigil for Dequarrius Sims

2007-04-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday evening, April 24, a vigil was held for Dequarrius Sims, a popular young Manual High School student and an ELITE Youth Program candidate who was murdered last Sunday. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Below are a few photos.

Dequarrius as a student in the ELITE Youth Program at Manual High School - March 2, 2007

Carl Cannon consoles Rico Scott, a friend of Sims', who pays tribute to "DQ" on his shirt.

Manual alumnus and former Illini basketball star Sergio McClain issues a challenge to Peoria to pull together to make the community safe for everyone.

ELITE CPR Training at AMT

2007-04-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

An instructor at Advanced Medical Transport demonstrates the proper technique for administering chest compressions at the mandatory CPR component of the ELITE Youth Program on Saturday, April 21 at the AMT Training Facility in Peoria.

One of two classrooms of ELITE Students practices chest compressions.

A student practices giving mouth-to-mouth.

Joe inspects the mannequins following the training session. All survived. A special thanks to everyone at AMT for providing an outstanding training venue and top-notch instructors!

Prayer Vigil

2007-04-13T04:41:00.000-07:00

The following photos were taken at the most recent vigil for murder victim Tamara Gregory held on Thursday, April 12, on Nebraska Avenue in Peoria. Gregory is the fifth murder victim this year.

A child bears a sign speaking volumes.

Mayor Jim Ardis offers a few words.

Patti Sterling-Polk, founder of the Peoria chapter of Mother's Against Violence, wraps the daughter of Tamara Gregory in a quilt symbolizing the community's love and support.

No caption needed.

Just a few of the over 200 people who attended the rally.

EYP Anti-Violence Rally

2007-04-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

Several ELITE Youth students attended an anti-violence rally at the RiverPlex on Tuesday, April 3, 2007. Joining them are Mayor Jim Ardis, Councilman George Jacob, and Bonnie Noble from the Peoria Park District. Keep checking back for more exciting developments as the inaugural class of the ELITE Youth Program is in their final month before graduation. Good luck and keep working hard!

CHOICES & ELITE 2007 Slide Show

2007-03-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to watch

CHOICES & ELITE 2007 Slide Show.

CHOICES at Peoria Academy

2007-03-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

Students at Peoria Academy give high fives to Carl Cannon following a CHOICES program at the school on March 22. The program was the first at the school and drew an enthusiastic response.

ELITE Youth Lock-In at RiverPlex

2007-03-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

Carl Cannon welcomes scores of ELITE Youth Program students to the 1st Annual EYP Lock-In at the RiverPlex at 10 p.m. on Friday, March 16. Students from Woodruff, Manual, Central, and Peoria Alternative high schools represent the more than 110 candidates enrolled in the program.

An EYP candidate from Woodruff enjoys a light-hearted moment during the activities, which lasted from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

A Team Manual student (black shirt) drives to the hoop guarded by two members of Team Woodruff during open gym.

Three EYP candidates enjoy a cool swim before a late-night snack.

Team Central finishes off the pizza!

Manual Welcomes the ELITE Youth Program

2007-03-03T06:02:00.000-08:00

More than 45 Manual High School students participated in Week 1 of the ELITE Youth Program held on Friday. Above, students sign the EYP Convenant promising to stay in school and to do their best.

ELITE Youth Kicks Off Week Two at Woodruff

2007-02-28T04:21:00.000-08:00

Team Woodruff staff member, Tony Jenkins (left) demonstrates a proper handshake. Team leader Hugh Sizemore looks on.

Woodruff High School students rehearse the proper way to introduce themselves and how to complete an employment application during Week Two of the ELITE Youth Program.

A student practices filling out an employment application.

Hugh Sizemore offers a helpful tip to a student.

ELITE Youth Program Completes Week 1

2007-02-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

Team leader Sherry Cannon works with one of several small groups of students during Week 1 instruction at Peoria High School. The ELITE Youth Program has received enormous interest from students and educators within and outside of District 150. Learn more about the program by visiting our website.

ELITE YOUTH Program at Peoria Alternative School

2007-02-20T04:22:00.000-08:00

Carl Cannon addresses students at the Peoria Alternative School as part of the ELITE Youth Program Zero Week activity.

ELITE Youth Program Press Conference

2007-02-16T20:08:00.001-08:00

At a special press conference at City Hall on Friday, February 16, Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis calls for community leaders to step forward to support the ELITE Youth Program by providing part-time jobs to qualified candidates who complete the rigorous EYP Job Certification Training.

Peoria Central Joins Ranks

2007-02-16T20:06:00.000-08:00

A whopping 43 candidates attended the ELITE Youth Program Zero Week assembly on Friday, February 16 at Peoria Central High School. Candidates will begin training next week as part of the ELITE Youth Program designed at putting high school age youth to work.

ELITE Youth Program staff member Charles Cannon receives a firm handshake from an interested PHS student at Friday's assembly. TEAM CENTRAL will hold its first training class next week. Congratulations to all the students who attended! Good luck!

ELITE Youth Program Wows Woodruff High School

2007-02-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Woodruff High School students attend an informational meeting to learn more about the EYP.

TEAM WOODRUFF explains the EYP and fields questions from prospective candidates.

One of four ELITE Youth Program teams (TEAM WOODRUFF) kicked off the groundbreaking CHOICES inititiave on Thursday, February 15, 2007 at Woodruff High School. TEAM WOODRUFF welcomed more than 30 candidates to the Zero Week assembly as a prelude to an intensive 9-week job training program which will culminate in a job for each graduate--but only after they've earned it! Good luck candidates! To learn more about the ELITE Youth Program visit their website by clicking E.L.I.T.E. in the Links section of this blog.

Operation Snowball

2007-02-13T04:15:00.000-08:00

On Sunday morning I had the honor of addressing over 100 Peoria Notre Dame High School students as part of Operation Snowball - A Community of Caring. It was my first opportunity to speak to at PND and I want to thank the school and the students for inviting me and for getting involved in the betterment of Peoria. Thanks guys!

East Peoria High Celebrates Black History Month

2007-02-08T04:26:00.000-08:00

The student body at East Peoria High School listens attentively as Carl Cannon delivers a message of hope. Cannon spoke to the over 1200 students on Wednesday, February 7, urging them to stay in school.

State of the City Address

2007-01-31T15:05:00.000-08:00

Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, one day removed from a ride with President George W. Bush in the Presidential limousine, delivers the annual State of the City address at the Hotel Pere Marquette on Wednesday. It was at the event that Ardis unveiled a new CHOICES-based Elite Youth Program aimed at employing socio-economically disadvantaged youth with part-time jobs. ChingPhoto is actively involved in the implemetation of the program on several levels, including the construction of the CHOICES and ELITE YOUTH PROGRAM websites. The CHOICES website may be viewed at www.Choicesyop.org and the ELITE YOUTH website will be active soon. Check back often more updated information. Way to go Peoria!

Cold Weather - Warm Hearts

2007-01-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

Below zero wind chills and frigid temperatures didn't stop the growing numbers of supporters speaking out against violence in our community at a prayer vigil on Tuesday night at the Taft Homes complex. It is the hope of all who have attended such vigils, held every time a killing occurs in Peoria, that this will be the last such gathering this year.

Stop the Killing Vigil

2007-01-18T19:58:00.000-08:00

A second prayer vigil was held in Peoria tonight to speak out against violence in our community. We urge everyone to join forces in helping stop the needless deaths of our citizens.

2007-01-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

C.H.O.I.C.E.S. IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE!